Survival of the Fittest

Team Intro - Let's ride boys

Thanks for checking back in on the blog of Coach Rosser throughout the intense days of preparation and practice during the playoff season.  If you haven't heard by now, the Oak Ridge Wildcats kept their season alive this past Friday night with a win over #2 seed McMinn County 35-6 and are moving on to the second round of the Division 6A State Playoffs.  We are guaranteed at least one more episode of Friday Night Lights in which we will be traveling west this weekend (about an hour) to face #4 seed Cookeville High School who also won there first round playoff game.  We feel good about our performance this past weekend, have been in the film room to correct mistakes and to watch next week's opponent, we have had our first weight session and conditioning and are ready to start a new work week.

Pregame prayer with some of my players

WE MEET AGAIN

For all our new supporters and some old ones out there, this is a rematch between two teams that played each other last year in the playoffs.  Up until last year Oak Ridge went into a slump of playoffs and playoff victories.  Last year we squeaked into the playoffs as a #6 seed in which we were matched up with Cookeville High School and had to travel to their field for a first round playoff matchup.  With an inexperienced postseason team we went on the road and beat Cookeville 28-21 I believe and advanced to the 2nd round.  It was a hard fought game that could have went either way and we were fortunate enough to be on the winning side of this game and advance.
On the flip side, bringing someone else's season to an end in the playoffs is always a great feeling for the victor and the worse feeling for the loser.  As we had a sense of urgency in getting payback on McMinn County for beating us two years ago in the first round, I am sure Cookeville will be full of emotion at home and will be looking to end our season in return.

Coach Rosser talking to the offense

SHORT BUT SWEET

We are happy with the results of the weekend, but know that we have higher aspirations than just the 1st round and will work as hard as we possibly can to reach the highest point, State Championship game.  We came out of the game healthy, scored on most of our offensive possessions, caused a few turnovers and did what we had to do to win.  We are looking forward to another great week of practice, will have great weather and will have an intense week of practice.  At this point, we know now that is "GO HARD OR GO HOME" and we are not ready to go home.  We will keep the routine "same as usual" with additional film work for our players to learn their opponents and will keep pressing towards our goal.  With a great message at church with the reflection of "Remember your calling", I have my motivation to keep the kids focused, working hard and create relationships/memories in which they will never forget.  It has also motivated me to remember my purpose at work and to teach the students not just to be smarter, but to be responsible citizens in this world.  Though I am very fatigued at this point on many levels, my continued strength and energy comes from above and I will not lose my faith in God.

Thanks for tuning in again and look for another blog coming toward the end of the week before game time.  I will update you on our game plan, week of practice, evaluation of opponent, mindset of the team/coaches and my outlook on the game.  Until then, STAY THIRSTY MY FRIENDS and God Bless.